Clothes donation at Morecambe match

Notts County fans can support local homeless charity the Friary by bringing unwanted items of clothing to Saturday's match.

Notts County’s Official Supporters’ Association are driving the appeal to support Nottingham’s homeless under the banner of Football Fans For the Friary – or the 4F Initiative.

Supporters are encouraged to deposit trainers, jeans and tracksuit bottoms in bins located in the OSA office and club shop at the Morecambe match.

The association’s chairman, John Terrington, said: “There are many things to be proud of as a Notts County fan. One in particular is the high degree of community spirit which they all have in abundance.

"So we are asking these fans to support the Friary, which is a registered UK charity based on Musters Road in West Bridgford. For the past 28 years, the Friary has been helping local homeless and vulnerable adults to rebuild their lives by offering practical advice, health services, and emotional support.”

The Friary encounters many hundreds of cases every year of individuals in immediate crisis and in need of supportive intervention.

Helen Jones, the Friary’s marketing and communications officer, said: “The Friary prides itself on being a ‘stepping stone’ to help people progress their journey to recovery and achieve their potential.

"The staff here offer a commitment to individuals for days, months or even years depending on their need. But to do so we have to depend on the generosity of Nottingham people and businesses.”

On average, the Friary receives almost 400 visits a week from rough sleepers, the homeless, or people who are at threat of becoming homeless.

When asked how Notts fans could help, Helen said: “Right now, the Friary is desperate for unwanted trainers, jeans and tracksuit bottoms which can be given to those adults who really need them.”

John responded by saying: “That seems to me to be the least we could do and so, at the Morecambe game, we are going to launch the 4F Initiative.

"We’ll have collection bins at the ground in prominent places and all we are asking fans to do is to come to the game with any trainers, jeans or tracksuit bottoms they no longer need or wear, and put them in the bins.

"That really is minimal effort, at no cost, and will help Nottingham’s community no end.”

The club will also be helping the fight against Nottingham homelessness by hosting a CEO Sleepout at Meadow Lane on 13 October.

PA to the Board and Manager Kate Lovett will be representing Notts. Click here to donate to her JustGiving page.